The Anastasiades-DISY government is the one going beyond its powers
Statements by the General Secretary of the C.C. of AKEL A.Kyprianou on current issues
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 1st December 2020, Nicosia
I want to go back on the measures decided by the government. Huge problems have been provoked. I have read the explanations given by the Minister of Health behind the reason on the basis of which the relevant decisions were approved. I must insist that these measures dont make any sense. I’m referring to the gyms on the basis of a position expressed by the World Health Organisation. We have specific given conditions in Cyprus which specify that according to the research being carried out we do not see coronavirus being spread in gyms as all the necessary measures are taken. I therefore wonder why this measure continues to be implemented.
The second big problem concerns the catering companies, the argument put forth that “but take-aways are allowed, so the restaurants won’t face problems” can’t be serious. When you tell someone that you have to close restaurants after 7 p.m, not all of them will subsequently be able to open companies. All these companies are having problems since last March, they risk closing down. Too many of these businesses will close down and the government on the one hand must see how the problem is handled immediately and on the other hand it must proceed to elaborate a plan to reactivate these businesses which will face enormous difficulties.
It’s unthinkable to exhaust the state’s strictness on these cases, while on other cases, such as the issue of church services, it is extremely flexible. It is unthinkable that people are being hunted down for posting their views on the internet and that they are being arrested, while in other cases the government is silent on church services. This double standards policy justifiably provokes the people’s feelings.
It takes a great deal of audacity on the part of the government to respond in the specific way it responds on the issues concerning the Auditor General. When the Anastasiades government was in opposition, it claimed it knew everything and had solutions for everything. When it took office it proved to be very good in making declarations and pledges, but didn’t do anything in practice.
I therefore regret to say that the one who is going beyond its powers is the Anastasiades-DISY government itself, which has clashed with every institution without exception that exist and operate in Cyprus. Whoever dares say something different from what the government ruling forces want to be heard in society, they’ll try to destroy him/her. We wont tolerate this mentality and will resist with all our strength. It is the duty of each and every one of us to resist this mentality and I must say honestly that the sensitivity and selectivity shown by the government is impressive. All the political parties are reacting to the government, but the government targets only AKEL. It appears the government has selective vision. It is the government’s right, but it is also our right to judge them for the way in which it attempts to influence society. They use distortion and untruths to influence public opinion. I’m sure people will judge them and rank them there and where they really deserve.
On the issue of the Auditor General and the government’s attempt to restrict his constitutional rights. The Auditor General quite justifiably is telling the government, “tell me where I go beyond the powers I have under the Constitution”. The government must give a concrete reply to this question and also reply to what is the Auditor General records in his reports, instead attempting to impose silence. And I wonder – is what is recorded by the Auditor General in his reports a fact” Does the government believe that the Commission of Inquiry will record events differently? They are facts, if they think that the facts are not so, let them provide answer. Why do they find it difficult to give answer?
